Adjustable table covering

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention comprise a table covering that is adjustable to snugly fit and stay secured to a variety of different sized tables. The table covering comprises a substantially rectangular sheet of material, four securing members, and four tightening members. The sheet of material has a peripheral sheet edge comprising two pairs of opposing sides and four corners. The four securing members each correspond to a different one of the four corners. Each securing member is configured to secure the corresponding corner to a corresponding table corner when the table covering is positioned on the table. The four tightening members each correspond to a different one of the four corners and to the corresponding securing member. Each tightening member is configured to draw a portion of the peripheral sheet edge toward a portion of the corresponding securing member to remove slack from the substantially rectangular sheet of material and/or the peripheral sheet edge.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to table coverings such as tablecloths.

BACKGROUND

Table coverings, such as tablecloths, are well known. Tablecloths come in a variety of shapes, and for each shape, a variety of sizes. The variety of shapes and sizes of tablecloths are necessary because of the variety of shapes and sizes of tables. However, even with the variety of sizes available for each shape table, it may be difficult or impossible to find a tablecloth that fits a specific table. This is especially true if the table has an unusual or custom size. An issue that exists with a traditional tablecloth is that a tablecloth is not designed to stay in place and as a result is not always an effective way to protect a table if need be from table top activities.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention comprise a table covering that is adjustable to snugly fit and stay secured to a variety of different sized square, rectangular and oval tables.

In one embodiment of the invention, a table covering comprises a substantially rectangular sheet of material, one or more securing members, and one or more tightening members. The substantially rectangular sheet of material is dimensioned larger than the top surface such that the sheet of material covers the peripheral table edge. The sheet of material has a peripheral sheet edge comprising two pairs of opposing sides and four corners. Each securing member corresponds to a different one of the four corners. Each securing member is configured to secure the corresponding corner to a corresponding table corner when the table covering is positioned on the table. Each tightening member corresponds to a different one of the four corners and to the corresponding securing member. Each tightening member is configured to draw a portion of the peripheral sheet edge toward a portion of the corresponding securing member to remove slack from the table covering.

The one or more securing member may comprise four securing members. The one or more tightening members may comprise four tightening members. The one or more tightening members may comprise eight tightening members, with two of each tightening member corresponding to a different one of the four corners and to the corresponding securing member.

Each securing member may comprise first and second elongated members, each of the first and second elongated members having first and second ends. The first ends of each of the first and second elongated members may be affixed to the peripheral sheet edge adjacent opposing ends of the corresponding corner, the second ends of each of the first and second elongated members being releasably affixed to each other. The second ends of each of the first and second elongated members may comprise mating fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, buckle fasteners, or clip fasteners.

Each tightening member may comprise an elongated member having first and second ends. The first ends of each of the elongated members may be affixed to the peripheral sheet edge between (a) one end of the corresponding corner and (b) the first end of one of the first and second elongated members of the corresponding securing member. The second ends of each of the elongated members may be releasably affixed to the corresponding securing member. The second ends of each of the elongated members may be releasably affixed to the securing member at any one of a plurality of positions along a length of the securing member. The second ends of each of the elongated members may be releasably affixed to the corresponding securing member using mating fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, buckle fasteners, or clip fasteners.

Each securing member may comprise two outer sides, each tightening member may comprise two outer sides, each outer side of each securing member may comprise either hook or loop material, and each outer side of each tightening member may correspondingly comprise either loop or hook material such that each tightening member may be releasably affixed to either outer side of each corresponding securing member.

Each securing member may comprise an elongated member having first and second ends, with the first ends of each of the elongated members being affixed to the peripheral sheet edge adjacent one end of the corresponding corner and the second ends of each of the elongated members being releasably affixed to the peripheral sheet edge adjacent an opposing end of the corresponding corner. The second ends of each of the elongated members may be affixed to the peripheral sheet edge using mating fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, buckle fasteners, or clip fasteners.

Each tightening member may comprise an elongated member having first and second ends, the first ends of each of the elongated members being affixed to the peripheral sheet edge adjacent one end of the corresponding corner and the second ends of each of the elongated members being releasably affixed to the corresponding securing member. The second ends of each of the elongated members may be releasably affixed to the securing member at any one of a plurality of positions along a length of the securing member. The second ends of each of the elongated members may be releasably affixed to the corresponding securing member using mating fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, buckle fasteners, or clip fasteners.

Each securing member may comprise two outer sides, each tightening member may comprise two outer sides, each outer side of each securing member may comprise either hook or loop material, and each outer side of each tightening member may correspondingly comprise either loop or hook material such that each tightening member may be releasably affixed to either outer side of each corresponding securing member.

The table covering may further comprise a loop affixed to the peripheral sheet edge adjacent an opposing end of the corresponding corner from the attachment of the first end of the elongated member of the securing member. The securing member may be configured such that the second end of the elongated member of the securing member is passed through the loop and the second end of the elongated member of the securing member is releasably affixed to the securing member.

The four corners of the substantially rectangular sheet of material may be elasticized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an adjustable table covering, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the table covering of FIG. 1 in place, unsecured, on a table.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the table covering of FIG. 1 in place, secured, on a table.

FIG. 4 is a close up bottom view of one corner of the table covering of FIG. 1 secured to a table.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the securing and tightening members of the table covering of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of an adjustable table covering, in accordance with alternative embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention comprise an adjustable table covering for covering a variety of different sized square, rectangular and oval tables. Referring now to FIG. 1, a bottom view of an adjustable table covering is illustrated in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The table covering 10 comprises a substantially rectangular sheet of material 12, securing members 18 a, 18 b, and tightening members 20. The substantially rectangular sheet of material is dimensioned larger than the top surface of the table such that the sheet of material covers the peripheral table edge. Table covering 10 is able to be snugly secured to a variety of different sized tables. The substantially rectangular sheet of material has a peripheral sheet edge comprising two pairs of opposing sides 14 and four corners 16. The sides may be straight, or slightly bowed as illustrated in FIG. 1. The substantially rectangular sheet of material may be substantially square.

The table covering 10 comprises securing members 18 a, 18 b. The table covering will typically comprise four securing members, with each securing member corresponding to a different one of the four corners and configured to secure the corresponding corner 16 to a corresponding table corner when the table covering is positioned on the table (discussed in more detail below). While four securing members are illustrated in FIG. 1, only one of the securing members is labeled and described for simplicity. While four securing members are illustrated in FIG. 1, alternative embodiments of the invention may comprise fewer than four securing members (in which case the table covering may not be secured at all four corners of the table) or more than four securing members (for a table that has more than four corners). The securing members secure the table covering to the tabletop, by securing around the underside of the tabletop (typically at each corner). The table covering is not secured to the table legs, and in fact the arrangement, number, or even presence of table legs does not affect the function and application of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention will work on, for example, pedestal tables.

The table covering 10 comprises tightening members 20. The table covering will typically comprise four tightening members, with each tightening member corresponding to a different one of the four corners and to a corresponding securing member. The tightening members are configured to draw a portion of the peripheral sheet edge toward a portion of the corresponding securing member to remove slack from the substantially rectangular sheet of material and/or the peripheral sheet edge (as discussed in more detail below). While FIG. 1 illustrates each securing member having a corresponding tightening member, alternative embodiments of the invention may comprise as few as one tightening member (in which case one or more securing members will not have a corresponding tightening member) or even no tightening members. Conversely, each securing member may have more than one corresponding tightening member.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, each securing member comprises a first elongated member 18 a and a second elongated member 18 b. Each of the first and second elongated members has a first end 24 a and a second end 24 b. The first ends 24 a of each of the first and second elongated members are affixed to the peripheral sheet edge adjacent opposing ends of the corresponding corner, as illustrated in FIG. 1. The second ends 24 b of each of the first and second elongated members are releasably affixed to each other, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The first ends 24 a of each of the first and second elongated members may be non-releasably affixed (e.g., sewn) to the peripheral sheet edge or may be releasably affixed (e.g., with mating hook and loop fasteners) to the peripheral sheet edge. The second ends 25 b of each of the first and second elongated members (and significant portions of the first and second elongated members adjacent the second ends, as discussed below) comprise mating fasteners to enable releasable affixation to each other. The mating fasteners may comprise, for example, hook and loop fasteners (as illustrated), buckle fasteners, clip fasteners, or the like.

In the illustrated embodiments, each tightening member comprises an elongated member 20 having a first end 26 a and a second end 26 b. The first ends 26 a of each of the elongated members are affixed to the peripheral sheet edge between (a) one end of the corresponding corner and (b) the first end of one of the first and second elongated members of the corresponding securing member. While FIG. 1 illustrates tightening member 20 being adjacent second elongated member 18 b, tightening member 20 could alternatively be positioned adjacent first elongated member 18 a. In another alternative embodiment, some of the tightening members could be adjacent a first elongated member and some of the tightening members could be adjacent a second elongated member. In this other alternative embodiment, the tightening members could be, for example, all placed on the shorter sides of the table covering (i.e., two tightening members on one of the short sides and two on the other short side). The second ends 26 b of each of the elongated members may be releasably affixed to the corresponding securing member (as discussed in more detail below).

The first ends 26 a of each of the tightening members may be non-releasably affixed (e.g., sewn) to the peripheral sheet edge or may be releasably affixed (e.g., with mating hook and loop fasteners) to the peripheral sheet edge.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a top perspective view of the table covering of FIG. 1 in place on a table is illustrated. The table covering 10 is positioned on top of the table, such that the substantially rectangular sheet of material covers the table top and the peripheral edge of the table top. The securing members 18 a, 18 b and the tightening members 20 hang down below the table top until they are secured as discussed below.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, a bottom perspective view of the table covering of FIG. 1 (and a close up of one corner) is illustrated, showing the table covering secured to a table. The table covering 10 is secured to the table by affixing the first elongated member 18 a of each securing member to its corresponding second elongated member 18 b. The first and second elongated members of each securing member are typically secured to each other around the corresponding table corner, as illustrated in FIG. 3. For a typical four leg table as illustrated in FIG. 3, the securing members may be fastened around the table legs. But it should be noted that the securing members in FIG. 3 are not contacting the table leg (in use, the securing members may, but do not necessarily, contact the table legs), and in fact the securing members do not rely on the table leg to perform their function but rather secure the table covering to the underside of the tabletop). The configuration of the mating fasteners on the first and second elongated members enables the first and second elongated members to be affixed together such that the total length of the securing member may vary as necessary to enable the table covering to be securely fastened to a variety of different sized tables. For example, if the mating fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener, then a significant portion of the mating surfaces of the first and second elongated members will have the respective hook or loop, thereby enabling a great deal of adjustability. As another example, the mating fastener may comprise mating buckles on each of the first and second elongated members, with either one or both of the buckles having a sliding adjustment mechanism. The securing members may optionally comprise an elasticized material to allow the table covering to fit a greater range of table size.

While the securing members are effective to secure the table covering to a variety of different sized tables, for certain sizes of tables the table covering may not be as tightly fitted to the table as desired to produce a smooth and secure fit. Bunching or slack may be present, especially at the corners. As such, the table covering may optionally comprise one or more tightening members to help draw up any slack that might be present to produce the desired smooth and secure fit. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the tightening member is releasably affixed to the corresponding securing member. This provides an additional point of securement and a way to draw up the slack and reduce or remove any bunching.

The tightening members are releasably affixed to the corresponding securing members using mating fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners (as illustrated), buckle fasteners, clip fasteners, or the like. As seen in FIG. 4, the securing member may have hook or loop material on the bottom side with the tightening member having corresponding loop or hook material, such that the tightening member is affixed to the bottom of the securing member. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the second elongated member 18 b has hook or loop material on both sides—on the “inner” side to mate with the first elongated member 18 a and on the “outer” side to mate with the tightening member. Alternatively, the securing member may have hook or loop material on the top side with the tightening member having corresponding loop or hook material, such that the tightening member is affixed to the top of the securing member. Yet further alternatively, the securing member and tightening member may have hook or loop material on both the top and bottom sides (as discussed in relation to FIG. 5 below). The mating fasteners may be configured such that the tightening member may be releasably affixed to the securing member at any one of a plurality of positions along the length of the securing member. This may be accomplished, for example, by having hook or loop (as appropriate) material along a significant portion of the length of the securing member, thereby enabling attachment at any point along that portion. In an alternative embodiment, the tightening member may comprise a more elongated member, such that the tightening member loops around the securing member and is secured back onto itself.

The configuration of the mating fasteners of one embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a side view of the securing and tightening members of the table covering of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 illustrates the configuration of the hook and loop fasteners for securing the first and second ends of the securing member to each other and for securing the tightening member to the securing member. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the first elongated member 18 a of the securing member has loop material on one side to mate with the hook material on one side of the second elongated member 18 b. Second elongated member 18 b also has loop material on the opposite side (i.e., the “outer side”) to mate with the hook material on the tightening member 20. Optionally, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the first elongated member 18 a may also have loop material on the opposite side (i.e., the “outer side”) and the tightening member 20 may have hook material on both sides, thereby enabling the tightening member to optionally mate with either side of the securing member. This configuration in which both “outer” sides of securing member and both sides of the tightening member have hook or loop to enable the tightening member to mate with either side of the securing member may be desirable in an embodiment of the invention in which the table covering is reversible (i.e., may be positioned on the table with either side of the substantially rectangular sheet of material down toward the tabletop). In such a configuration, having both “outer” side of securing member have hook or loop to mate with the tightening member enables the tightening member to always be secured to the “top” surface of the securing member (which surface of the securing member is the “top” surface will vary depending on whether the table covering has been reversed). The configuration of hook and loop material may vary, as long as each pair of surfaces that needs to be affixed to each other has the opposite kind of material on each of the mating surfaces.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a bottom view of an adjustable table covering is illustrated in accordance with alternative embodiments of the invention. The table covering 50 of FIG. 6 is very similar to that of FIG. 1, but with a different type of securing member (i.e., a one-piece securing member in FIG. 6 and a two-piece securing member in FIG. 1). In the table covering 50 of FIG. 6, each securing member comprises an elongated member 58 having a first end 64 a and a second end 64 b. The first end 64 a of each of the elongated members is affixed to the peripheral sheet edge adjacent one end of the corresponding corner. The second end 64 b of each of the elongated members is releasably affixed to the peripheral sheet edge adjacent an opposing end of the corresponding corner, using any suitable mechanism such as mating fasteners. For example the table covering may comprise securing tabs 68. The second end 64 b and the securing tab 68 may have, for example, mating hook and loop material to enable the releasable affixation of the second ends 64 b to the securing tabs 68.

The first ends 64 a of each of the securing members may be non-releasably affixed (e.g., sewn) to the peripheral sheet edge or may be releasably affixed (e.g., with mating hook and loop fasteners) to the peripheral sheet edge.

In the table covering 50 of FIG. 6, the tightening members may be identical to those of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and be affixed to the securing members in a similar fashion.

In another optional embodiment of the invention similar to that of FIG. 6, the elongated member of the securing member may be even more elongated, and the table covering may comprise a loop approximately where the securing tab 68 is shown in FIG. 6. In such an alternative embodiment, the second end of the securing member may be passed through the loop and attached back to itself with any suitable attachment means (e.g., mating hook and loop or mating snaps).

Embodiments of the invention may be made of any suitable material. For example, the main body of the table covering (the substantially rectangular sheet of material) may be made of any desired type of cloth (e.g., linen, polyester, cotton/polyester blend, etc.), and may comprise multiple layers (e.g., a cotton top layer with a moisture-resistant bottom layer). As another example, the securing and tightening members may be made of nylon straps, or may be made of an elasticized material for resiliency.

While embodiments of the invention are illustrated having tightening members, these tightening members are optional and may not be included in all embodiments of the invention. For example, some embodiments of the invention may comprise a substantially rectangular sheet of material and securing members, but no tightening members.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

1. A table covering for covering a table having a top surface and a peripheral table edge, the table covering comprising: a substantially rectangular sheet of material dimensioned larger than the top surface such that the sheet of material covers the peripheral table edge, the sheet of material having a peripheral sheet edge comprising two pairs of opposing sides and four corners; one or more securing members, each securing member corresponding to a different one of the four corners, each securing member configured to secure the corresponding corner to a corresponding table corner when the table covering is positioned on the table; and one or more tightening members, each tightening member corresponding to a different one of the four corners and to the corresponding securing member, each tightening member configured to draw a portion of the peripheral sheet edge toward a portion of the corresponding securing member to remove slack from the table covering.
 2. The table covering of claim 1, wherein the one or more securing member comprises four securing members.
 3. The table covering of claim 1, wherein the one or more tightening member comprises four tightening members.
 4. The table covering of claim 1, wherein the one or more tightening member comprises eight tightening members, two of each tightening member corresponding to a different one of the four corners and to the corresponding securing member.
 5. The table covering of claim 1, wherein each securing member comprises first and second elongated members, each of the first and second elongated members having first and second ends, the first ends of each of the first and second elongated members being affixed to the peripheral sheet edge adjacent opposing ends of the corresponding corner, the second ends of each of the first and second elongated members being releasably affixed to each other.
 6. The table covering of claim 5, wherein the second ends of each of the first and second elongated members comprise mating fasteners.
 7. The table covering of claim 6, wherein the mating fasteners comprise one of hook and loop fasteners, buckle fasteners, or clip fasteners.
 8. The table covering of claim 5, wherein each tightening member comprises an elongated member having first and second ends, the first ends of each of the elongated members being affixed to the peripheral sheet edge between (a) one end of the corresponding corner and (b) the first end of one of the first and second elongated members of the corresponding securing member, the second ends of each of the elongated members being releasably affixed to the corresponding securing member.
 9. The table covering of claim 8, wherein the second ends of each of the elongated members are releasably affixed to the securing member at any one of a plurality of positions along a length of the securing member.
 10. The table covering of claim 8, wherein the second ends of each of the elongated members are releasably affixed to the corresponding securing member using mating fasteners.
 11. The table covering of claim 10, wherein the mating fasteners comprise one of hook and loop fasteners, buckle fasteners, or clip fasteners.
 12. The table covering of claim 11, wherein each securing member comprises two outer sides, wherein each tightening member comprises two outer sides, wherein each outer side of each securing member comprises either hook or loop material, wherein each outer side of each tightening member correspondingly comprises either loop or hook material such that each tightening member may be releasably affixed to either outer side of each corresponding securing member.
 13. The table covering of claim 1, wherein each securing member comprises an elongated member having first and second ends, the first ends of each of the elongated members being affixed to the peripheral sheet edge adjacent one end of the corresponding corner, the second ends of each of the elongated members being releasably affixed to the peripheral sheet edge adjacent an opposing end of the corresponding corner.
 14. The table covering of claim 13, wherein the second ends of each of the elongated members are affixed to the peripheral sheet edge using mating fasteners.
 15. The table covering of claim 14, wherein the mating fasteners comprise one of hook and loop fasteners, buckle fasteners, or clip fasteners.
 16. The table covering of claim 13, wherein each tightening member comprises an elongated member having first and second ends, the first ends of each of the elongated members being affixed to the peripheral sheet edge adjacent one end of the corresponding corner and the second ends of each of the elongated members being releasably affixed to the corresponding securing member.
 17. The table covering of claim 16, wherein the second ends of each of the elongated members are releasably affixed to the securing member at any one of a plurality of positions along a length of the securing member.
 18. The table covering of claim 16, wherein the second ends of each of the elongated members are releasably affixed to the corresponding securing member using mating fasteners.
 19. The table covering of claim 18, wherein the mating fasteners comprise one of hook and loop fasteners, buckle fasteners, or clip fasteners.
 20. The table covering of claim 19, wherein each securing member comprises two outer sides, wherein each tightening member comprises two outer sides, wherein each outer side of each securing member comprises either hook or loop material, wherein each outer side of each tightening member correspondingly comprises either loop or hook material such that each tightening member may be releasably affixed to either outer side of each corresponding securing member.
 21. The table covering of claim 13, further comprising a loop affixed to the peripheral sheet edge adjacent an opposing end of the corresponding corner from the attachment of the first end of the elongated member of the securing member; wherein the securing member is configured such that the second end of the elongated member of the securing member is passed through the loop and the second end of the elongated member of the securing member is releasably affixed to the securing member.
 22. The table covering of claim 1, wherein the four corners of the substantially rectangular sheet of material are elasticized. 